Black Stars and Villarreal CF midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women.
Partey, 32, appeared in the dock at Southwark Crown Court and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth and enter his not guilty pleas, with his appearance in court lasting just 30 minutes.
He was present in London this week, as he featured in Villarreal’s UEFA Champions League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, September 17.
He featured in the game on Tuesday, before attending a court hearing this morning.
Thomas Partey came on as a second-half substitute and was booed loudly by the Spurs fans every time he touched the ball.
Partey’s trial is scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026.
The former Arsenal star was released on bail ahead of his trial, which will last for six to eight weeks.
“The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police Service to charge a man after a file of evidence was submitted by detectives.
“The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey, 32 (13/06/1992), of Hertfordshire, in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, one count of sexual assault.”
Reports suggest the offences are alleged to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.
Also, an alleged victim, speaking to British media outlet The Athletic, stated, “I would frequently get messages from fans. They’d send me pictures of him playing or scoring.
I would get death threats, rape threats, people saying they’d set me on fire. If he scored, for example, the abuse would be worse,” she stated.
Furthermore, Jenny Wiltshire, one of the UK’s most respected criminal defence solicitors, is representing Thomas Partey in his rape trial.
Jenny Wiltshire, earlier in a statement, revealed Partey denied all the charges levelled against him.
She stated, “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”.
The lawyer further added that Thomas will not be making any further public comments while the legal process is ongoing.
Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor, confirmed the charges, saying, “Our prosecutors have worked closely with officers in the Metropolitan Police to review the evidence and advise on the appropriate charges”.
“Criminal proceedings are active, and the defendant has the right to a fair trial. It is absolutely vital that there is no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings,” Narwal warned.
Additionally, Spanish La Liga side Villarreal CF in a statement announcing Thomas Partey, acknowledged their new player’s legal proceedings in England.
The Spanish club, in their statement, stated Partey is innocent until proven guilty.
According to them, Thomas Partey has maintained his innocence and denies all charges against him.
Villarreal’s statement read, “The club is also aware that the player is currently involved in legal proceedings in England. The player firmly maintains his innocence and denies all charges against him.
The club respects the fundamental principle of the presumption of innocence and will await the outcome of the judicial process, which will be responsible for clarifying the facts of the case. Due to the law in England in relation to ongoing proceedings, the club is unable to comment further”.
“Villarreal CF wishes to clearly reiterate its strong commitment to respect and diversity and firmly condemns any act of violence in all its forms, including gender-based violence, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, or any behaviour that undermines the dignity of individuals”, the club stated in a statement.
See the post below:
Thomas Partey pleads not guilty Case has been adjourned to November 2 2026 via 🎥 @Kingfergusonn pic.twitter.com/OTZ4Mz3LOm
— Don Summer (@donsummerone) September 17, 2025
Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, with his trial scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/ElXdGLd1jt
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) September 17, 2025